Alternative options for Halloween candy

During Halloween, beware of the endless supply of candy everywhere. In addition to the stockpile of candy our kids collect, there are candy bowls at work, in our homes, at the bank and at the hair salon, just to name a few.

In order to be successful with healthy eating strategies during this candy-crazed holiday, try some of the following strategies.

One alternative option is to have the kids put their candy into three piles – “really like,” “sort of like” and “don’t like.” Take the “sort of like” and “don’t like” piles to a local dentist participating in a Halloween Candy Buy Back Program. Participating dentists will buy candy from kids and send it to Operation Gratitude.

Another alternative option is to make 100 calorie snack packs with the “really like” Halloween candy to help control portions. Use the Nutrition Facts on the individual labels to keep calories and portion sizes in check.